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Boss won't underestimate Wigan

Norwich manager Chris Hughton will prepare for Saturday's visit of struggling Wigan exactly the same as he would for Manchester United.

The Canaries saw their 10-match unbeaten run in all competitions come to an abrupt halt with a 4-1 home defeat by Aston Villa and former boss Paul Lambert in the quarter-finals of the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night..

However, Norwich remain one of the form sides in the Premier League - second only to leaders United, with their last defeat at Chelsea back on October 6 and having recorded four successive victories at Carrow Road, including 1-0 wins against Arsenal and Sir Alex Ferguson's pacesetters.

Despite the Latics currently labouring in 18th place following four defeats in six outings, Hughton insists his men will be fully focused on delivering the required performance.

"Wigan are a very good side and sometimes the circumstances are that you find yourself in a place in the league which you might feel is a false position. It certainly surprises me a bit where they are at the moment," Hughton told a press conference.

"Everything I have seen about them has been good, they can score goals and have plenty of offensive options. They are a very well drilled football team.

"Wigan have suffered in recent weeks with injuries, which might have affected them, but our approach has to be exactly the same as it would be for any other game because it will be very tough."

Hughton continued: "We know every match is going to be difficult for us, and also we know what we need to put in to get a result.

"At the moment, confidence is high, but it is also about bouncing back and trying to get on track again.

"As with any defeat, it is about a reaction - and I expect a very good reaction on Saturday."

Much of Norwich's success has been based around a settled side.

Midfielder Bradley Johnson has struck up a good partnership with Norwegian enforcer Alex Tettey, who could be back in contention following a thigh problem.

The 25-year-old former Leeds man is relishing his opportunity.

"I am playing my best football, am enjoying my football, and getting picked every week, but I know it can change in an instant, so I am not getting too complacent and not getting ahead of myself," he said.

"I just want to get picked every Saturday and that comes down to training hard and being fit and available."

Johnson added: "I have learned a lot more from last season. It was my first year in the Premier League and this season I am more disciplined in the job I do.

"I am a holding midfielder and more of a defensive player, but I am learning every game I go into.

"This is a great league to be in and I want to be in here for as long as I can and learn more."

Hughton hopes having plenty of options will stand Norwich in good stead as they look to stay clear of any trouble at the wrong end of the table.

"We have real good competition for places and that showed in midweek," the Norwich boss said.

"Even though when you have been on a good run, you still want to be tested with your team selection game after game, that the players put pressure on you with the way they train.